anna moeslein

It's been six years since Hilary Duff has released new music, but today her big comeback song, "Chasing the Sun," leaked. It still has that dance-pop vibe we know and love from her but with an acoustic, sunshine-y feel, which makes sense considering it was cowritten by Colbie Caillat. I didn't fully realize I was excited for Hilary to return to pop until I heard the track and instantly felt a wave of nostalgia for the early 2000s. You can hear her new song below—but first, let's go back. Back to the beginning (of Hilary Duff's career). 2002: Her first song, a cover of Brooke McClymont's "I Can't Wait," appears on the Lizzie McGuire official soundtrack. It's a huge hit on Radio Disney and helps launch her music career. 2003: Hilary releases her debut album, Metamorphosis, which reaches number one on the Billboard 200. Major hits include "So Yesterday"... ...and "Come Clean": Also, don't forget (how could you?) that "Come Clean" was the theme song for Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County. Sorry for the poor-quality vid! 2004: Hilary's second studio album, the self-titled Hilary Duff, is released on her 17th birthday. It has a more rock-punk edge to it read more

If you've ever seen Alabama Shakes singer Brittany Howard perform before, then you know she's electric. But to see her—and the band—live? A mind-blowing, "how does she do that?" experience. With a voice like that front and center, it's no wonder the Alabama Shakes' star has risen, earning them Grammy nominations and performances around the world. And this summer, the band continues their nonstop schedule with the Mercedes-Benz Evolution Tour, a nine-city music tour to celebrate the launch of the brand's new GLA. The kick-off to the tour was last night in NYC and also included a DJ set from Questlove and more fun experiences, but Brittany took a few moments beforehand to tell us her summer tour must-haves. Read on! What's your process for deciding what to wear onstage? I like to wear fabrics that are lightweight—something dark or highly patterned so you don't notice how much I'm sweating! Similarly, what goes into your beauty routine? Anything that doesn't work onstage—and what does? Do not wear glittery eye liner if you plan on facing the sun for an hour. There was one occasion when we were playing toward the sun, the eyeliner began to melt and the little glitter read more

So, to start, I know the point of this video that Funny or Die posted with Kristen Bell is the political message about raising minimum wage—but I found myself thinking throughout this awesome Mary Poppins parody that she'd make an excellent Mary. Maybe NBC or Fox or another network will be inspired for their next live musical event? ABC wanna get on this? You've got those Disney connections... Mary Poppins Quits with Kristen Bell from Funny Or Die P.S. This isn't the first time Kristen's gotten political. I think she's earned that Secret Hollywood Superhero title. read more

The only thing Bravo fans are talking about today (and, I'm guessing, all week) is the now infamous Aviva Drescher leg toss. If you've been living under a rock or something, I've conveniently provided a video of it for your viewing: Yes, that did happen. And in case you're wondering, Aviva's wearing Jimmy Choo heels. It's just so crazy, so perfect, that I can't stop watching it over and over. I mean... That's good TV, folks. But this isn't the first (or most?) memorable Housewives freak out. Can any of these top the leg throw? Let's recap: First up, let's not forget Aviva's other brilliant moment: that time she confronted Ramona and Sonja and called them white trash: When Teresa flipped the table on Real Housewives of New Jersey: Sheree's best quote of all time, "Who gon' check me, boo?" on Real Housewives of Atlanta: Everything that happened on Scary Island on Real Housewives of New York City: The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills dinner party with Allison DuBois. Just sitting there, cool as a cucumber, smoking her e-ciggie: Everything NeNe Leakes says is legendary, but this is my favorite: This: When Tamra throws her drink on Real Housewives of read more

Pop singer Eden XO is an up-and-coming artist, but she's already getting some major recognition with her debut single, "Too Cool to Dance," being featured on So You Think You Can Dance. And once you listen, you'll be addicted to the poppy, can't-get-it-out-of-your-head track. Even better, she's premiering her new lyric video for it exclusively with us. It's got a perfect '80s vibe to match the oh-so-bright tune. Listen in: read more

I'm an admitted late-comer to appreciating and enjoying country music—it's hard not to watch as many country music awards shows as I do and not find it enjoyable—but anyone who's even remotely tuned in to the genre know that "bro country" songs are at a major high point right now, thanks to fellas like Blake Shelton, Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, etc. Their songs are catchy as hell, typically center on the subjects of drinking beer and hanging out with hot girls in jorts, and pop up steadily on the Billboard Hot 100. But now a new trend is cropping up: female artists reacting to the bro country movement. Two new songs have been released that both offer a comment on the movement: "Girl in Your Truck Song," by Maggie Rose and "Girl in a Country Song" by Maddie and Tae. Both have similar titles, but each have a very different take. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Maggie Rose makes it clear she isn't poking fun at Florida Georgia Line and those guys but rather paying homage with lyrics like "I can be the girl in your truck song/The one that makes you sing along/Makes you wanna cruise/Drink a read more

Ah, Tinder. Navigating the dating app is a strange (and sometimes funny) journey for anyone, but imagine when two comedians are involved. Master of Witty Remote Segments Conan O'Brien asked Dave Franco to help him make a fake profile and look for love. Obviously, hilarity ensues: I know it's all a joke, but how excited would you be if you got matched with Dave Franco? Hawt. read more

On the heels of the announcement that Brooks Wheelan, a first-year cast member, won't be returning to Saturday Night Live, three more are leaving. According to Variety, freshman players Noel Wells and John Milhiser are also departing the show—in addition to Nasim Pedrad, who's leaving to go costar on Fox's upcoming Mulaney. I think most could have predicted Nasim's departure once her casting on Mulaney was announced, but when it comes to the three newcomers on SNL, I hate to say I'm not that surprised. Noel, John, and Brooks were three of the most underused—and, as a result, had the least memorable returning characters. Still, it's sad to see anybody go, so let's pour one out for them. I leave you with Noel's funny turn as Lena Dunham: Are you surprised at the news? read more

My most favorite-ist artist of all time, Jenny Lewis, is back in action with a new solo album, The Voyager (which drops July 29), and she's kicking things off with a pretty spectacular music video for her single "Just One of the Guys." Featuring Jenny in a Lisa Frank-esque custom suit, Anne Hathaway break-dancing with a serious rattail, and a mustachioed Kristen Stewart and Brie Larson, it's a pretty great way to start your day. Watch the fun here: Adorable video, right? Stay tuned later this month for our interview with Jenny, but in the meantime, here's a pic of me and Caitlin Brody looking giddy-happy with her: read more

It's been a nonstop big year for indie electronic-rock duo Phantogram, which consists of Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel—touring around the world, a new album, Voices, and generally taking the music world by storm. I got the chance to sit down with Sarah during a brief stop in NYC before rocking out to their show a few days later at Terminal 5 (seriously, experience them live—their dreamy pop-synth sound is incredible in person). The singer and I chatted about summer music, tour must-haves, and more. Listen in! You're based in New York. It must be good to have a few days at home? Sarah Barthel: It's weird. You build this kind of custom idea of always going, so when you're not, it's really strange. You're touring nonstop this year. What's the hardest part about being away? SB: Missing your loved ones is really tough. It's hard to maintain relationships and friendships because this world is a lot different. You've got your group of friends—and when you leave, your friends keep going on, that sort of thing. I think that's the toughest. And just not being able to wind down—not feeling normal enough to sit and watch sh-tty TV. I used read more

Earlier this week, I joined Greg Poehler and a group of journalists at a lunch to discuss his new show Welcome to Sweden, which premiered last night. Greg mentioned that his goal for the show was to make it sweet and heartwarming first, rather than focusing solely on making it funny. And I think that's exactly what we got: Welcome to Sweden's premiere wasn't a laugh a minute, but it had a charm that made me want to continue with these characters' journey. But before we get into the pilot, it's important to know about the show's amazing backstory: After a lengthy career as a lawyer in New York, Greg met the love of his life (his now wife) and moved to Sweden to be with her. Eight years and three kids later, he decided to return to a career in comedy by doing stand-up and writing a pilot about his adventures. The show was a huge hit in Sweden and has now crossed the pond to NBC, with his big sis Amy Poehler exec-producing. You can (and should!) read more about it all came to be in Jess' interview with him. I think knowing the history adds another layer read more

It's a good morning for Jimmy Kimmel! Not only was Jimmy Kimmel Live nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Variety Series, but, even better, his wife, Molly McNearney, gave birth to the couple's first child together, a daughter, this A.M. Jimmy announced the news via Twitter: Congratulations to my beautiful and very tough wife @mollymcnearney on delivering our baby girl this morning— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) July 10, 2014 And Molly had her own witty response: Kids, don't do drugs. Until you have a baby. Then do ALL OF THEM.— Molly McNearney (@mollymcnearney) July 10, 2014 Congrats, Jimmy and Molly!!! P.S. For the backstory on how they fell in love (and what it's like to work together), check out Jess's interview with Molly. read more

Oh, man, now this is big news: According to Us Weekly and OK!, Eva Mendes, 40, and Ryan Gosling, 33, are expecting a baby together. Now OK! is reporting that the actress is seven months pregnant—I don't see how she could be that far along without anyone noticing, but to be fair, she has been staying out of the spotlight lately. This will be the first child for both, although both have dealt with pregnancy rumors in the past. Earlier this year, Eva told Ellen DeGeneres that one rumor started because she didn't want to go through scanners at the airport: "It's so ridiculous. It all started because I didn't want to go through the scanners at the airport. You know those X-ray scanners, which are really creepy? They basically see you naked, right? And not only that, but there's a radiation aspect to it, so I always opt out." Anyway, I guess this means the dream of a meet-cute with Ryan Gosling, followed by a lifetime of our being together, is done-zo. Congrats, Eva and Ryan! read more

OK, Gone Girl fans. Now that the thrill of the new trailer and posters has waned, let's turn our sights on some other works that Gillian Flynn has in development: a TV show! According to Entertainment Weekly, the author's debut novel, Sharp Objects, is in the works to become a one-hour serialized drama. Like the novel, it will follow a reporter with a troubled past who is thrust back into it when she takes on an assignment to cover the murder of two preteen girls in her hometown. Flynn will serve as an executive producer, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer's Marti Noxon will write the script and be the showrunner. Fascinating! The story has a definite end that wraps up, so I'm not sure how it'll serve as a serialized drama—but that's for the professionals to decide, I suppose. Either way, I'll be watching. Will you? read more

Are you sitting down? Breathing easily? Because friends, more HARRY POTTER! J.K. Rowling must have been feeling generous or inspired by the World Cup (I mean, those hot guys certainly inspire something...) because she gifted fans with an update on Dumbledore's Army in the form of a new short story on Pottermore, written as a gossip column from Rita Skeeter for the Daily Prophet. It takes place at the Quidditch World Cup, where apparently Harry, Ron, and Hermione have all joined together to watch with kids in tow. As is Rita's way, the story is very gossipy—the best line: "Does Hermione Granger prove that a witch really can have it all? (No—look at her hair.)"—but it still provides an insight into the gang years after the epilogue of the final novel. You'll have to sign in to your Pottermore account to read the full article—or head to Today.com, which has the exclusive. read more

To say that the music industry has vastly changed in the past 20 years 10 years 5 years is a huge understatement, and many (OK, most) people have shared their opinions on the future of the industry. Yesterday, Taylor Swift weighed in with hers in an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal. Her take: "In recent years, you've probably read the articles about major recording artists who have decided to practically give their music away, for this promotion or that exclusive deal. My hope for the future, not just in the music industry, but in every young girl I meet is that they all realize their worth and ask for it. Music is art, and art is important and rare. Important, rare things are valuable. Valuable things should be paid for. It's my opinion that music should not be free, and my prediction is that individual artists and their labels will someday decide what an album's price point is. I hope they don't underestimate themselves or undervalue their art." Granted, Taylor is one of the few artists who are still able to sell millions of albums—but I do think she makes an interesting point here (and obvy love her call-out to read more

Is this a new couple alert? Or just affectionate friends? It remains to be seen, but what I do know is that I find this to be an unexpected maybe-pairing. Here's the deal: Zac Efron was spotted kissing and canoodling with Michelle Rodriguez while both were vacationing in Sardinia, Italy. Neither have commented on whether it's a relationship, friends, or something else, but I think once you see the pics you'll agree that at the very least they shared a PDA-filled afternoon together. You can see Daily Mail's exclusive pics here for a full look. What do you guys think? Looks like the real deal, no? read more